Hepatocellular carcinoma: An emerging problem with hepatitis C

Hepatocellular carcinom (HCC) is emerging as a major problem in the United States, primarily due to the development of liver cancer in patients with c irrhosis secondary to the hepatitis C virus. The diagnosis of HCC in patien ts with underlying cirrhosis can be achieved at an early stage if appropria te diagnostic measures are pursued by primary care physicians and gastroent erologists. African Americans are particularly vulnerable in developing HCC since their response to current therapy for chronic hepatitis C is less th an optimal.